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School Uniform Update

To download a copy of this letter, click here.  

  • October 4, 2024

As all parents will now be aware, from September 2025, the expectation is that all students will wear trousers for school. We are delighted to see an increase in the number of girls already wearing appropriate school trousers. We have also had a number of queries about the styles of trousers that will be appropriate for school from students and parents who are looking to make the switch to trousers now. The guidance for trousers is explained in this letter.

Trousers

To keep uniform costs down, we are not going to insist on a school-branded trouser. Instead, we are recommending suitable styles of trouser. Trousers should be plain, black, smart and business-like in either a straight or flared style. The images below illustrate the styles that will be appropriate for school and which are being sourced by our suppliers. Trousers that are tight fitting and made from a stretchy (Lycra) material will not be allowed. We also will not allow trousers with buckles or other decorative adornments.

It is important that I re-iterate again the reasons why we have decided to introduce trousers for all from September 2025. We are aware that the pressure to wear skirts and dresses incorrectly (rolled up) has been difficult for many of our girls to navigate. The short length of dresses also poses a modesty problem which in turn can present safeguarding concerns both inside and outside of school. In addition, we have also had to deal with a recent spate of students deliberately ripping their school tights which is proving costly for parents to continually replace them.

Jumpers

As a reminder, we have made the decision to re-instate the plain black V-neck jumper from October 2024 as the weather turns cold. This is in response to student and parent feedback. To ensure uniform costs are as low as they can be, we are not going to introduce a branded jumper.

Coats

In preparation for the winter months, I would also like to draw your attention to what we deem appropriate and sensible coats for the winter. Many students wear coats that are more of a fashion item as opposed to being a sensible coat for school. To provide clarity, we have uploaded on to our website what is deemed an appropriate coat and what is not. This can be found here. Hoodies are not allowed and any student wearing one will be asked to remove it.

We make no apologies for our high expectations because excellent standards in a secondary school start with high standards of uniform. Please also remember that our school serves a diverse socio-economic community and clear guidelines about uniform helps all our families by acting as a leveller. We appreciate the full support of all parents on this.

Thank-you for your continued support.

Yours sincerely,

Mr P Davies
Headteacher

How Yondr Works

Frequently Asked Questions

We want our students to be engaged in their learning. A child at high school should not really have a reason to contact a parent during the day; however, if there is a genuine reason e.g. they have forgotten their packed lunch, a phone call can be made home from the school office. If a parent needs to contact their child in an emergency, they should contact the school office. If you need to contact your child during the school day, contact the main office on 01942 883796.

In case of a school emergency, we direct our students to safety first, following our school emergency procedures.

 

Students are in possession of their phone - in their Yondr pouch - for the entire school day. We will advise students to store the pouch safely in their school bag or blazer pockets.

If a student damages their Pouch or is caught on their phone, we will confiscate the phone and issue a sanction which is likely to be a suspension.

Note: Damage consists of any signs that the physical integrity of the pouch has been compromised, whether intentional or unintentional, as determined by the school or Yondr staff.

Damaged pouches will be charged to parents at a cost of £20.

They will be searched and wanded with a handheld scanner by a member of SLT. If they are found to have their phone on their person they will be expected to place it in their pouch. Refusal will be met with suspension.

If a student forgets their Pouch, their phone will be confiscated.

As per our previous mobile phone policy;

  • Confiscated phones will be taken to reception where the phone will be secured in the school safe.
  • Parents will be alerted to the phone confiscation via the school office.

Parents will have the option to collect the phone at the end of the day. If parents do not collect the phone, the phone will remain in school until the end of the week or until the student has their pouch.

In Yondr’s experience, this almost never happens. All students funnel past the unlocking stations at the exits, they want their phones back and don’t forget to unlock their pouches. If they do arrive home with a phone in a pouch, they can either come back to school to unlock it, or have a phone free evening!

The unlocking process is quick and takes under a second per student. 

As a privilege, Year 11 will be able to unlock their phones as they go off site at lunchtime; however, they will be expected to put their phones back into their pouches when they return to school for period 5.

Yes. There is an adapted version of the pouch which uses a Velcro fastener instead of a magnetic lock. This means the student still follows the policy, but the adapted pouch gives them easy access to their phone when required. If the student abuses this, they will face a sanction. We are already aware of these students.

Your Office 365 account username is your school network account username followed by @flhs.wigan.sch.uk 
The password is the same password that you use in school to access computers.